This time, we'll be discussing some common misconceptions about iPS cells and regenerative medicine.
Recently, it's been featured more often on TV and in the news, so many people are probably hoping that it "seems amazing" or "maybe it can solve my problems."

On the other hand,When I actually speak with patients, I find that many of them are hesitant about their treatment choices because of a "slight misunderstanding" that lies behind their expectations.
Today, I will carefully explain this misunderstanding so that you can make informed decisions about treatment with confidence.

The misconception that anything can be cured with iPS cells

iPS cells are a Nobel Prize-winning technology, and the artificial heart they produced at the Osaka World Expo garnered much attention. Because they are called "pluripotent stem cells," many people have the impression that they can do absolutely anything.
It's such a promising technology, and it's only natural to have high expectations for it.
While I feel that the term iPS cells has become very widespread, the reality is that we haven't reached that stage yet.

In actual counseling sessions, we sometimes receive questions like, "If we have iPS cells, can we cure anything?"
Because iPS cells have the ability to differentiate into various cell types, they are already being used in some fields,There are still many areas that haven't been realized, and for example, "immediately creating and replacing organs" is currently difficult.

Actually differentiating cells into specific types requires extremely delicate and stepwise research.
This is because there are hundreds, even thousands, of cell types, and each one must be examined and verified individually.
While it's possible that this will become more accessible as medical care in the future, it's important to understand the difference between "what we can do now" and "what we can do in the future."

▼What can actually be done with iPS cell therapy

The misconception that iPS cells themselves are used

The next most common idea is the concept of "injecting iPS cells themselves into the body for treatment."
This is another common perception we hear from patients.
However, much of the regenerative medicine currently being widely practiced does not involve iPS cells themselves, but rather,iPS culture supernatantWe are using "[this]".
In the culture medium used to grow iPS cells, various active ingredients such as growth factors, cytokines, DNA, and RNA are secreted during the growth process.
The common method involves extracting the culture supernatant containing that component and using it for treatment.
In other words, It might be easier to understand if you think of it not as "treatment using the cells themselves," but rather as "treatment using technology that utilizes iPS cells."

At this point, we are not yet at a stage where the cells themselves can be widely used through intravenous infusions or injections. This is a point that is easily misunderstood, so it is important to understand it thoroughly.

The misconception that regenerative medicine will always result in regrowth

Some patients who come to our clinic with hair problems are hoping that regenerative medicine will definitely make their hair grow back.
"If I'm going to do it anyway, I want to choose the one that will be most effective."
It's only natural that you would think that.

However, regenerative medicine is by no means a panacea.
Of course, it is a highly effective treatment, and everyone will experience some degree of improvement. However, the results will vary from person to person depending on the condition of the hair follicles, the progression of AGA, age, lifestyle, and previous treatment history.
Some people experience significant changes in a short period, while others see gradual improvement over time.

Rather than saying "it will definitely grow," a more accurate understanding is that "if done properly, you can expect results, but the way those results manifest varies and differs from person to person."
Simply knowing this difference can make your approach to treatment much more realistic and positive.

▼Introducing cases from our clinic

The misconception that regenerative medicine is superior

Finally, we often receive the question, "Isn't regenerative medicine superior to medicine?"
To put it simply, these two treatments are not something to be compared; they each serve different purposes.

Regenerative medicine is a treatment that directly works on and activates the cells of the hair follicles.
On the other hand, oral medications for AGA (androgenetic alopecia) are the most classic treatment method, but they are excellent at addressing the root cause of hair loss and supporting hair growth while suppressing further hair loss.

Another significant difference is "frequency."
While regenerative medicine treatments are typically performed about once a month, oral medications can be taken daily.
The ability to consistently ingest active ingredients into the body every day is a significant advantage in ensuring stable therapeutic effects.
In actual clinical practice, combining regenerative medicine with oral medication often leads to better outcomes.

▼Detailed explanation of the treatment drugs is provided below.
 

The importance of home care

And something that is often overlooked but is very important is home care.
Improving the scalp environment is the foundation of any treatment.
Those who diligently perform daily care will see faster improvement in their scalp condition and experience more noticeable treatment effects.
It may seem like a little extra effort at times, but that accumulation of effort will definitely show in the results.

▼The first step in treatment! Scalp care based on regenerative medicine that you can do at home

Summary

In this article, we discussed some common misconceptions about iPS cells and regenerative medicine.
Medical technology is advancing every day, but there is inevitably a gap between "what can be done now" and "what is expected."
Understanding these differences correctly will make it easier for you to choose the treatment that is right for you.
If you are feeling anxious or uncertain right now, those feelings are perfectly natural.
That's why I hope you'll carefully consider each point and make a choice that you can be satisfied with.